Greetings to all of the people who may read these ramblings/postings/acts of muppetry (delete as appropriate)
As the Subject says, this is my first run through Baldurs Gate 2 (Full, inc TOB). I have previously played Baldurs Gate (with TOTSC) and Icewind Dale (and HOW).
A couple of items if you want to post.

NO SPOILERS

I don't care what I may have missed out on, what the storyline might have done, anything. DO NOT, under any circumstances, drop hints, etc. If you do, this posting will be abandoned. End of story.

NO SPOILERS

Just in case you are really, really stupid, and didn't see that the first time.

First post to follow in 24 hrs or so,
Wish me luck, I'm going in ......

What is your character?

SPOILER ALERT

This has an impact on what happens in the game.

END SPOILER

Have fun, and goodluck.

He was actually dead the entire movie!

Rosebud was a SLED!


Muahahahahahaha !!!!!!!!!!!


Sorry - could not resist ;)

Just in case you are really, really stupid Making friends already, I see. :p

So what is this thread about, exactly? Is this intended to be another Newbie Thought topic like Harbourboy's? Because if so, I should warn you - we're all trying really hard not to spoil HB's game. I don't know if we can survive another.

YOU MUST ESCAPE THE DUNGEON!

Damn! I blew it right off the bat! :grr:

It would be tough for anyone else to see a thread like this through to the end. I'm really struggling at the moment because I'd really like to start a new character (the ideas keep coming). But I'm still determined to see this one through.

Right then, I decided that my first run through was going to be a paladin, and then I saw the Undead Hunter kit. I've always liked paladins, (don't ask why, I don't know), and I managed to roll a very good one.
I've picked up Imoen, Minsc and Jaheira. Nice to see the old crew back again. Even if Dynaheir is dead. (According to Jaheira, Khalid should be around, so I'll have to make sure I don't miss him.)
BTW, I like the fact that we get XP for Imoen picking locks, and disarming traps.
Once we were armed and ready to go, we fairly blitzed through the first few fights. It was nice for Doraln and Minsc to be carrying bows after the first goblins though. Met up with the Sewer golem, and left him be for now. I would prefer to deal with the rest of this area before he opens up more places for fun. We've been through the library, the Duergar, and the demon that was trapped, and the next thing to do is to get some rest, and some fresh spells. BTW, I also really like the fact that we get XP for all the spells Imoen scribes. In fact, she is earning most of our XP, with traps, locks, and spells. I need to find a statue of some sort to get through a locked door, I hope I haven't missed it. I've also picked up some acorns from the duergar. I'm sure I'll find out what they are for, as well.
Will be posting again tonight.
If anyone feel that this is too much (or too little) detail, please feel free to say so.

Ah, those were the days. Going through the first dungeon for the first time. It does seem a long time ago, even though it was only a few months ago.

Robert the unwise, what's your tactics through the dungeon ? You say you've got two of your party carrying bows, so do you fight from the distance, rather than hack and slash ?

BTW, what are your stats ?

With an Undead Hunter, Minsc and Jaheira in your party; didn't you wish to just hack 'n' slash your way out of the dungeon and get to Irenicus :)

@HB :lol: And you being in just your first run-thru.

Huray another newbie thread! And I really don't mind reading all the details, can't get enough of those really. Hope you can keep them as detailed as your first post though. It IS a big game afterall, and you'll get many many many impressions while playing it for the first few times! Good lcuk and thanx for the extra entertainment!

A couple of quick replies.
Kulyok, Doraln the paladin is 18/94,18,18,6,14,17. I always like to roleplay my characters, which can lead to some awkward decisions being made. (My real reference book would have to be The Book of Exalted Deeds - its D & D 3.5 rules.) This means that I have to play as close to Lawful Good as possible. I'm sure that it will lead to tough choices, but thats what the fun is about.
Shrikant and Kulyok, unless I've got some kick-ass armour, I like to stop my opponents before they get to melee. If they are using ranged weapons, then I can knock them down by concentrating fire on one target at a time. If they are closing, then Doraln, as normally the best armoured in the party, will step up with a melee weapon. These tactics change for spellcasters, of course, but thats the basics.

One other thing, what have I let myself in for. HB is described as on his first run through, but he's been at it for months.
This could get interesting.

After resting,(see NPC note at end) we got the sewer golem going, and met our captors pet Otyuch (or Otyugh, I cant remember). Got whupped first time, so second time came at it from 2 sides, and let Imoen do her thing. MMs and a Lightning Bolt follow, and we win. Also got a little wand/key off it. Found lots of traps in the next room (more nice XP), and then met the dryads (now I know to keep the acorns). Went down to the lower room, and picked up the portal key. Then we got mugged by a couple of rather wimpish golems.In fact, they got mugged by us. After we met up with and freed the djinn, getting a nice sword for Minsc in the process, it was time to head for the portal, and see what was on the other side.
Hello Yoshimo. Now we are 5. Although, to be honest, he doesn't do much that Imoen can't. But an extra bow is always handy, and I can always drop him off when we get out of here.
I am now really sick of the sight of mephits (of all sorts) We ended up using a monster summoning spell, and using ranged weapons right through.
We found Khalid's body. After Jaheira's speech bit, I used the 'shouldn't we try' line, only to be rebuffed. Decided not to pursue the matter. Ten seconds later, I was glad of that, because Imoen nearly got her head bitten off.
We then encountered the clone woman thing, who we had to kill, and a 'shadow thief ' or two, along with another mephit and some goblins. We now seem to be in a large hall, with some tasteful floor decorations, getting blown to bits at every opportunity. These keys are obviously needed here, but I need to look around a bit more closely.
BTW, if anyone is wondering, I am making a few short notes (rather than whole essays) as I play this game. From 10 or 15 words, I can reconstruct most of what happened.

Thoughts on NPCs.
Its strange to see NPCs react to each other, and to Doraln as well. The way everyone, even Yoshimo, who has been with the party for 10 minutes, wanted to express their sympathies to Jaheira. Imoen, after the first rest period, saying how she would have run screaming (or something similar) if Doraln wasn't there.
This is going to be VERY interesting.

My apologies, but no updates over the weekend, as I'm off to Warwick to see my kid brother.
OK, maybe on Sunday evening - depends what time I get back.
Oh good grief, I just previewed this posting. Its HUGE. My apologies. If you read to the end in one go, you may need help.

Like I said: I really like these long detailed posts about runs through the game! All the missile fire, all the details! Just like playing thorugh BG1 again ;)

@Robert the unwise
I like what you're doing and hope you can continue keeping a good balance between too many details and just skimming through the encounters your party had.

Why is it that this is your first time playing BG2? How long ago was it that you played the original Baldur's Gate?

Yay, as one newbie finishes the game another one's starting it. This is fun :)

@HB: So, you now know how we all felt reading through the account of your first time through :D

Great another ´newbie´ thread, i really liked HB´s one is this seems to be even more detailed! :D Keep up the good work Robert the unwise, and make your posts as long as you want, we don´t care (at least i don't)

Right then, I'm back a day early (youth of today, can't keep up with 30-odd year olds!)
Many thanks for the comments. Hopefully the detail level will remain about right.
@ Earl Grey. I first found BG 1 (with ToTSC) in a 'bargain bin' last year.
Right, back to business.
I eventually figured out (DUH!) how to disarm the traps, so we now have a nice set of wands, although not yet identified (when we get to safety, I'll use Imoen's spell slots to ID them.)
Next, we went into the northern room, where there were shad thieves and (I presume) a vampire. We let them fight, and killed the vampire with missile weapons, and then the thieves. She level drained them. If more of those are around, then I'm glad Doraln is immune.
If I'm right, the shad thieves are trying to free us (why), and the vampire is on Irenicus' side.
After we cleared out the other rooms on this level (minor fights, so no point in details), we managed to find what turned out to be the exit.

Imoen is gone, taken by some kind of law-enforcing mages. That made my note about IDing the wands irrelevant. We found the Mithrest Inn on the map, and rested to recover spells (mainly Jaheira's, but also Minsc.) This market area is enormous, probably as big as the whole city of BG, but there are no hints as to where to go next.
After resting, we meandered round the Promenade, and have found a quest at the circus tent. As a paladin, it is an obligation to help those in distress, and the boy Giran is in need of help. Time to take the plunge.

Great stuff! Keep up the good work ;)

Adventure, fame and riches beyond your wildest dreams await you!!!

In the circus tent.
It was a dark and stormy night as our intrepid heroes carefully entered the circus tent.
OK I'll start properly.
To be totally honest, this was pretty easy. After answering the djinn's question (right first time - pure luck), we spoke to the ogre. This is where having detect evil as a paladin comes in useful. After we approached the commoners, and they had attacked us, it was only common sense to give the ogre the sword - after all, she had told the truth so far. (Although I did leave the rest of the party 'hanging back' with missile weapons ready.) As a result, we now have a party of 5 again, for how long this time, I wonder.
From there, the fights were pretty basic up to and including Kalah. I assumed that if we could concentrate all our fire and spells on him, then we could finish the fight quickly, and I was right.
Once Kalah had croaked his last, we spoke to Hannah, and she left. Back outside after Quayle's speech, we went down to the adventurer's mart. The owner seemed to know Jaheira, and was also useful for answering some questions. If we want to use magic in the city, we need a licence, from someone in the govt. sector. It only costs money, so we can work for that. He also reckons that we can meet with shadow thieves, and find out what is going on with Irenicus. I'd rather meet with them than the vampires, after all, thieves can be turned to a path of lawfulness and good, vampires are irredemably evil. (roleplaying Paladin philosophy)
From there, we decided to see the rest of the city (did I miss a conversation, because we got no guidance on where to go?), only to find that the only place we could go was the slums.
Gaelan Bayle could easily annoy me, with his "Coo" talking style. But, he seems to know things, and people. That is, hovever, a lot of gold.
When we went into the Copper Coronet (from now on, the CC), we met Anomen, who appears to have read too much Eddings or Tolkien. I liked him though, so now we are a full party of 6.
Next up, Nalia approached us. The words chip and shoulder come to mind. We took the job, though. Hopefully, it will pay well.
Gaelan had metioned a Jierdan Fiirkraag, but we never got to speak to him before taking Nalia's job on. He can wait, though - I hope.
Why are there slaver quards around here? This needs further investigation at some time.
Next step is to get out of the city, and to Nalia's home. See what is really happening.

There is a small part of me that wonders if this is indeed your first time through.

Some ways of speaking and some hints to future events are evident in your words.

But of course, I'm an idiot.

@Robert the unwise
So, what's your party ? PC, Jaheira, Minsc, Yoshimo, Aerie, Anomen and Nalia - it's seven ? Have you taken Nalia with you ?

Now you have three healers in the party, Aerie, Jaheira and Anomen, will you carry on this way ?

@ Bard - No, this is my first run through.
I actually posted a month or so ago about what to install - whether just SoA or also ToB, and what patches.
@Kulyok - no, we didn't take Nalia, and I know it leaves me with 3 healers. We will have to see whether that is a problem. Jaheira is a Fighter/Druid though, and pretty capable of handling herself.
If, however, Aerie keeps on complaining, then I might see if I can find another mage somewhere.
After resting, we went over to the gates section, only to get ambushed en route. Some nice kit our ambushers had, I must say (plate+1, 37 arrows+1, 2 magical swords, scrolls)
After leaving the city, we got attacked again, and this time we got another quest out of it. Back to Athkatla, with Renfeld's body. In the docks section, decided to see the thieves at a later point. For all his starting fears of the thieves, Yoshimo then changed his tune to 'We can do whatever we want'. Anyway, on the way down to the docks, we met another vampire, this one talking to some thieves. The vampire vanished, and the thieves set on us. I must get that licence for magic sometime. I had Aerie all set up for a Fireball when I remembered.
Once they were dead, we delivered Renfeld to his friend.
Hello Xzar. I remember killing him more than once before. Monty is in trouble, it seems, and Renfeld/Rylock are harpers.
There is an inn just north of us, though, and we will rest there before continuing. I think we will see about finding Monty before we go back to Nalia's. No point in leaving here, just to travel back later.

Wow.
This guy walked into Baron Ployer without planning to! Cool.
Where are you doing your shopping. Do you hoard your stuff somewhere or just sell them as your inventory fills up? Ever tried the merchants in the Docks?

Shrikant: BOO !
No spoilers, remember ?

BTW, great read. I think, it would be nice to read it as a simple text file as well. I'd better save it ;)

How did you decide to help Xar, he IS an evil necromancer you know!

@ Shrikant - Fortunately, I ran into the friendly baron before reading your post. Please, try to resist. I can understand that the temptation is there, though.
@ Kulyok. Thanks.
@Thunder - If you read my post from 20 feb, you will see my justification for this type of action. In addition, Monty and Xzar helped what they knew to be a paladin near to Candlekeep , and all the way to Nashkel, and rescuing Dynaheir. One good turn deserves another.
Well ,as said, we met Ployer, and Jahiera got cursed by him. We didn't rest in the inn, but went off to the Govt sector. There, we met Madeen, who sent us to speak to Tolgerias. I am not prepared to commit to him without knowing the job, so we turned him down. We met a mage, who works for Ployer, but I decided not to bribe him (1000 gp is too much). we also bumped into Delon (the boy from somewhere - I can't remember) and Minsc took his job. Who is supposed to be running this party.
From there, to the Coronet. Jaheira's friend is dead, also cursed. Wandered around the slums, finding nothing (apart from where the slavers are), even Gaelan Bayle couldn't help.
Eventually tried the derelict house, and got a kicking. Reload, rest in the CC (changing some spells as well) and tried again. Worked out that if I cast spells in Gaelan's house, the wizards don't come after us, so that's what we did - Chant, Haste and Stoneskin for Aerie.
Went up to Ployer again, and with the aid of Clok of Fear, and summoning spells, we just made it. It was close though (Aerie on 6 hp, Yoshimo on 8). When we found the lock of Jaheira's hair, she said that she was recovering. We went back to the Coronet, and rested for 8 hours. She is no different - still cursed, still down on ability scores. What have I not done. We'll try a temple next, maybe they can help.

Don't know if this is a spoiler but it will save you a lot of time you don't have to waste.


The curse will be gone after 24 hours (she said a day's rest, not a night) and there is no way to hasten the process. Just so that you won't waste time on a worthless enterprise

Thunder - thanks for that, I was worried that I'd missed something.
We went to a temple anyway, only to find that we couldn't get a Remove Curse on Jaheira. I've currently got an earlier save game, but it appears I won't need it, with another 2 rests.
Back up to the Govt district. We really need to be able to cast magic without trouble.
5000 gp. That's most of what we've got. I hope it's worth it!
Back to the docks. Surprised that no new quests have appeared in the last 10 minutes !
We spoke to the harpers, and they want a house of mages and 'evil creatures' destroyed. OK, I'm up for that. Jaheira and Yoshimo are rather suspicious, though.
The fight was rather easy, possibly too easy, or are Jaheira's concerns making me see trouble where it doesn't exist.
We are now in the Harper base, and, from speaking to people here, we need an amulet to get to the other areas safely.
Finding the amulet was too easy. Put it on Jaheira, and she went upstairs. After talking to the ghosts, she found the bird, and we left.
We went back to Xzar, and gave him Monty, but it wasn't Monty, and Xzar is now dead. It seems they were up to no good, so I can't really complain.
Time for some rest - in the inn at the docks. Doraln had a weird dream, with Irenicus in it (there was another one with imoen, which I forgot to mention), and when we woke up, Jaheira was having a bad dream too.
Aerie was also talking about her wings (or lack of).
Its time to go to Nalia's.
We'll see you there, unless we get waylaid

There is a bug in the game, it is about a reward after Nalia's quest.

Consider taking her with you.

Before I make a decision on this, can anyone else comment on Kulyok's suggestion.

In a NON spoiler way please.

I will wait until thursday afternoon before making a decision (UK time)

In general, it is best to have the character you are helping with you (you get the best character interaction that way) -- from a role playing standpoint the character with the quest may have additional information when you get into the quest. In this particular case Nalia has asked you to help her save her home (she WILL add to the dialogue inside the keep), your Paladin should consider her knowledge of the potential battlefield an asset.

Note I said Nalia asked you to help HER get her home back. Such a request should not be lost on a Paladin (after all being a glory hound is considered one of the seven sins -- pride), it is her duty to defend her home.

That said save your game before kicking anyone out.

Definitely take Nalia with you when going to save her home. Especially now that you have paid the 5,000 gp for being able to cast divine magic, you should have Nalia around to actually cast some spells when you're wandering around the city before or afterwards(as she can cast more high level spells than Aerie). Plus, as T2Bruno says, the dialogue is more interesting and relevant when you have her along on that quest.

@ HB - I didn't even realise she was a mage - from what she said in the CC I thought she was a thief !
@ T2Bruno - for all her faults, in the CC Nalia appears to be a good (in alignment terms) person - she tries to help the poor and needy.
Doraln is not a glory hound. If glory comes his way, it is because of what he does, not who he is. If people wish to venerate him because of his actions, it is because of his actions AS A PALADIN.

Nobody has, as yet addressed the issue of 'Kulyok's bug' (see above posts). If this cannot be discussed because of spoilers, please say so.
From what HB has said, having Nalia along might be a good idea, but I am reluctant to 'split paths' and have 2 separate games running at once (one with Aerie, one with Nalia.) This game, as my first, is about making decisions, and sticking to them.

The 'bug' they talk about is about the amount of reward money you recieve after the quest. I wouldn't let this get in the way of the quest itself. Just try to make a discision and stick with it. You've already stated that Aerie is tarting to get on your nerves so maybe a trade is a good idea.

I think the bug is that without Nalia, you endup with just a few hundred GP instead of, more, as quest reward.
I am not sure, but I think that it is fixed even if you take Nalia only to the last fight.
One piece of advice, clear every room you come across. Whether you think you can skip it or not. Also, talk to everyone around.

Might I suggest allowing Anomen to take a brief respite -- in that way you can keep both Aerie and Nalia (and won't have to listen to his constant drivel). The firepower of two mages is always useful.

If you definitely decided you want to have Aerie then by all means keep her. She can certainly be useful. Nalia dualled from Thief at Level 4 so she only has limited thief skills and is definitely almost exactly like a pure mage. Whether you keep her or not, I still think it makes sense to take her along to save her home. But, as has been demonstrated many time, you can pretty much take any party you want and beat this game.

Thunder and Shrikant are correct, money was what I was talking about. So, now you got it in a spoiler way. :)

Anomen is a much better cleric than Aerie, still, it's your call. Aerie with her pathetic whining - ewww... Even Nalia is better.

Sorry there have been no postings for a few days, but I've been too busy to play :(
Until today, that is :)

Well, I decided to drop off Aerie, and pick up Nalia. Then, to get all Aerie's magic items, scrolls, etc for Nalia, I had to repeat the process. DOH !
Nalia has now got some nice new spells in her books. We also got some fire arrows for the trolls, which we have now been told are the problem. We also have an entry point for the castle.
Inside the castle, after killing a troll, we met Daleson. It seems we need to find a way into the dungeon to root out the trolls, and yuan-ti, and some burrowing creatures. There should also be a magical flail somewhere, probably in bits.
We cleared the level of trolls (only 5 in total, so lots to come, if Daleson is right), and then found a flail head. From here, we went outside, and dispatched an Otyugh, and then some dogs that were 'red boxed' as hostile (Minsc just filled them with arrows, for some reason.) From here, we went up to the battlements, and opened the drawbridge. When we got back downstairs, we had 2 trolls and a yuan-ti to deal with, with some help from the guards. At this point, I had a look at the journal, and quickly went to collect the dog meat.
Here, Jaheira starts talking about balance, and Doraln being pulled in directions, and 'living each day as if your last'. Morbid. Kind of sounds like she is half expecting to join Khalid at any time.
We made our way back into the building, found the kitchens, and proceeded to make some dog stew. Strangely, I'm not that hungry. From here, its outside to the small compound, to get some rest. We are going through these fire arrows at a rate, and I want Nalia to memorise some fire/acid spells for the trolls.

When I first went through this area, I remember it took me HOURS to work out how to open the drawbridge. And I don't remember there being any "dog stew".

We are going through these fire arrows at a rate, and I want Nalia to memorise some fire/acid spells for the trolls. Why :hmm: You do realise that fire/acid is required to finish off the Trolls. They can be brought to near-dead stage otherwise through melee bashing. Then have Minsc shoot one fire arrow into the Troll. Nalia is an awful shot.

@HB
You never were one to refuse a fight anyways :)

Trolls can be a real pain. If a party mage has acess to 6 level spells, it's easier.

For me, I just hacked them with melee weapons, had Nalia/party mage Melf minute meteors memorised and gave her a clear shot, just like Shrikant did with fire arrows.

@ HB - just because it takes me 30 seconds to describe what we did, it doesn't mean it took the same time to work it all out ! Hours is more like it !
@ Shrikant - yes, I realised that early on, but you have to hit the troll (even when down) with the fire arrow, and then the troll gets a saving throw to avoid the fire damage. Melf's Acid arrow, or Flame Arrow, do their work whatever.
To continue then :
On resting, there was another dream of Irenicus and his offers of powers. I have to say, we aren't doing badly on our own. On waking, Jaheira was having another dream about Khalid. A bit different this one. Khalid seemed content at Doraln and Jaheira together (?) Maybe I read it wrong, but that was the view I got.
This is certainly a new type of NPC interaction.
Anyway, back to the castle, and the roof. Killed some more yuan-ti, but nothing else up here, so back to the kitchens. Now we went upstairs, and here Nalia was useful on our route. We headed north. Lots of locked doors we can't pick, so we must need a key. Eventually found the yuan-ti mage and a troll - a couple of summoned animals took care of the mage. The troll split in 2, so took a bit more work. From here (with a key) we eventually found Gliacas, who has a new master. Or rather, had, because he's dead. Hard fight though.
We found Nalia's mother. There's an attitude problem for you. Nalia actually thanked Doraln for not killing her! We now found the room with the golems. After getting kicked a few times, we gave up trying to get the weapons, and settled for the flail head. Down to the cellars then (Nalia prefers that name)
In the cellars, we came across some more trolls, so they were rapidly dispatched. On opening the next door, all hell let loose, thanks to the umber hulks. We'll let Yoshimo handle this one. (party AI off)
After some wandering around, Yoshimo found the area for the dog stew (the bones gave it away), and, on the 2nd attempt, got the hulks in, and got out himself. In the next room, we met Torgal ,the talking troll (and friends). They are dead, so won't talk any more. Nalia's father is also dead.
Back outside, Nalia asked to join permamently, which is fine. Jaheira would like to go to Tethyr. That's fine with me, but I want to see if we can get Imoen back first. We then opened the drawbridge again to leave, and Roenall sent us away.
SPOILER MAY BE NEEDED
I have 3 flail heads (acid, cold, fire). Where is the handle for the flail.
We will be resting here before we go anywhere else.

Ow darn! Hope you have a save game before you did the last bit of the castle (the reward bit). You should go to the forge and there you can forge the flail together, but AFAIK you can't do this after you have ended the quest by gettingthe reward. Maybe a tip for the golems, you COULD attack them before they activate by taking a weapon out of the niche. And the biggest golem can't get through the door so with him you could just run away. You need +3 weapons to hurt it if you decide to kill it. Just some tips.

*SPOILER WARNING*

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As for The Flail, I really hope you have a save before you killed Torgal. Or alteast while still in the castle. Thats because you get extra XP for forging the flail while the castle is still under attack. Remember where you met that guy who told you about the dog stew. There seems to be a door you have missed. That will take you to the forge where all you need are the three flail heads.

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Golems are mindless constructs. You can moon them, shooch them, do whatever you want. They will only activate when you do the one thing required to trigger them or to defend self. Get it ;)

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And nothing beats resting in the open wilderness. The Castle is still being repaired so try its lawns :)

Well. you don't need a handle, you already got the parts, but you can't go inside now, even from the secret entrance, which is a pity. :-(

You don't get much experience for assembling the flail, but you get the experience, regardless. The only way you don't is if you are a Fighter, and you are not.

Remember where you met that guy who told you about the dog stew. There seems to be a door you have missed. That will take you to the forge where all you need are the three flail heads.
He has all 3 flail heads, He didn't miss any door :)

About the trouble with those golems, you can send a cleric with sanctuary go in and loot all the item, they don't mind a bit :D

There is also a possibility to assemble the flail and THEN go bashing glolems, one at a time. :D

Thanks for the tips, all.
Fortunately I had a save game from before we left the castle, so now have a very nice flail - but currently nobody with weapon slot to use it (but see later).
Well, we now have 16000 gp - not yet enough to pay Gaelan Bayle, so its time to pick a quest, either Trademeet or the Umar hills. 50/50 shot, so I actually threw a d20 to see, Umar it is!
When we got to Umar, we heard the speeches, then talked to the villagers, then the mayor. We have agreed to see if the ogres are responsible, and to go to the rangers house.
Heading north, we met Daar, who is hopelessly in love. He is also a bit of a wimp. Anyway, we said we would try to help. Then we went into the house, and met the cowled wizard. Not very interested in helping the locals, is he? However, we might get some information if we find him some mimic blood.
Back ouside, we met Kaatje, who told us about the shadowy wolves, and then we headed north. Madulf was quite friendly, and asked us to make a deal for him. Back to the mayor. Struck a deal, got some XP for it, and now Doraln has * in flails. Now its time for Marella's house. Came across some shadows and 2 shadow fiends on our way to finding it, but we got there. Inside, we found a journal, map, and some signs of a fight. I may be wrong, but Marella looks dead to me. Time to report back to the mayor, and then move on to the next map area.

It's always fun dealing with Daar as an evil character... no matter what you say. Nothing more pathetic to an evil PC than someone who ain't got no stones.

This is a great thread, Robert - keep it coming!

Did you go back to the Golem room and get those items? And has Nalia driven you to dumping her yet :p

Wow, I mean the phrase "now we have 16000 gp".

It's really, really fun to read your story, knowing what'll happen next and seeing that you yourself don't know. :)

By the way, how do you explore the area ? When it was my very first time, I was going everywhere until all the map looked "open" and there were no black spots. What do you do in this case ?

@ Shrikant - no, I totally forgot - I'll see if we can get back in there later. Nalia seems OK so far.
@ Kulyok - I like to head in the direction I'm given, if I get directions, that is (e.g. Madulf is north), failing which, we try to cover the whole map area. (Saying that, we've now left Imnesvale with a lot still unexplored.)

Before seeing the mayor, we stopped at the inn to rest up, then saw him in the morning. From there we saw Madulf again, and he gave us a nice shield. (For information, Doraln, who steps up for melee, is now AC -9 with the shield. It makes life much easier for us if one person is the target for enemies.)
Near to Madulf, we saw a cave, so went in. Hey, free mimic blood ! Back to Jermien, and we got a sword. When the golem turned on him (not much of a juggernaut, was it), we dealt with it, and a happy ending ensued. Time to head for the temple ruins.
When we arrived, we followed Anath to the cave, and found a bit about what we are facing. A shade Lord. We agreed to help , and headed eastward. After lots of shadows, we got to Anath and the light/gem. Underground beckons.
Quite early on, we rescued Mazzy Fentan, who we don't have space for at present. We have also, in that area, found a ritual parchment, some bones (Amauna), part of a journal, and a statue that blasts us when we get his questions wrong, and a gem, which Mazzy says will get us through the doors. Heading south Doraln got ambushed on the bridge by 6 shadows and fiends. It didn't take long to dispatch them. (That flail is quite good, isn't it.)
After the fire room, and more killings, we gave Amauna's bones back. There is a shadow dragon here!
Which we have a wardstone for. We will try to remove it, but if it's too hard, then we can sneak past it.

Awww... your first dragon. Do give us the full account of the battle ! :)

No, not my first dragon, I had to fight Icasaracht in Heart of Winter. But, to be honest, that was a moderately easy fight (we were all 20th level or better). Here, Yoshimo is our highest level character, at 11. Doraln and Minsc are both level 9!

Heh, I remember the same thing happening to me the first time I played the game. The Umar Hills quest was one of the early ones I did, so most of my party was also around level 9-10. Being a beginner to the game I did not know any cheesy tactics, and so spent hours trying to kill the dragon before finally succeeding.

One word of advice: if you're going to attack him this early in the game, use EVERY spell and special ability you have. You'll need them!

Well, we continued through the dungeon, including the 'Indiana Jones' floor. Eventually got the complete symbol for the door to the next level.

And got whupped.

10 times.

Now THAT is what a dragon (especially one that level drains you) is supposed to be like. The shadow dragon would kick Icasaracht all over the floor before breakfast.
Unsurprisingly, we gave up.
On our 11th entry, we kept quiet, and went through the other door.
The shade lord was, in comparison, a bit weak. Doraln on melee, the rest on missile. The entire battle couldn't have taken more than 2 minutes.
Marella is, of course, dead
We headed back to the village to tell the mayor, and he gave us some magical armour. Time to rest, ID what we need to, sell what we can't use, and head back to see Gaelan (over 30000 gp)
As soon as we got back to the city, Valen approached us,wants us to go to a meeting in the graveyard at night. Immediately after that, Anomen got a message that his sister is dead, so off to the Govt district.
When we got there, a message from Brus (from Gaelan). Seems everyone wants to speak to us.
We found Anomen's father, and after the speeches, Anomen agreed to go to the magistrate. There we found that nothing can be done. Anomen has agreed to let the matter lie.
It's now morning (hour 7). We will need to rest for 2 sessions to find who wants to meet in the graveyard. But explore first. We rescued Viconia, and got Jan Jansen out of a tight spot (I didn't like the official, and neither did his guard). Then back to the Coronet for 16 hours rest

Well, this way it is more realistic.You can always return to the dragon later :)

Vicoooonia ? Did you take her in the party ? Or Jan Jansen, for that matter ?

I dont think he has space for new charecters.
Did you try NPP? Not that its supposed to work. My last party of 2 Kensai's Keldron and Anomen whacked the shade dragon at L11, though they may have been lucky. I didn't get hit by its breath.

Do you have all the buttons switched on in the feedback options? The information you get should help you during the fights.

Have you paid a visit to the Graveyards before? Just because someone would meet you there late at night does not mean you shouldn't be waiting for them :)

@ Kulyok - we did, once the shade lord was dead, go back into the dungeon to see if the dragon was still around. As he was, yes we will be returning to him. At about 20th level. :)

@ Shrikant - No, we haven't been to the graveyard area before. All areas that we have been to have been listed.

Regarding party members.
The current party is
PC - Doraln (Undead Hunter Paladin)
Minsc
Jaheira
Anomen
Yoshimo
Nalia

I don't intend to change any party members at present. Once we get Imoen back, however, that will change. Either Yoshimo or Nalia will be surplus at that point. Probably Nalia to go.

What weapons are your characters using currently? I got that the Paladin has the flail of ages, but what about the rest?

I hate Nalia. She is an annoying lesser version of Imoen. If you do intend to pickup Imoen, I suggest dropping Nalia asap. Even Aerie or Jan would be better alternatives imo.

Nalia rules. She is a less annoying, more experienced, version of Imoen. The only reason to take Imoen over Nalia is if you have no other thieves in your party.

Weapons list
Doraln - Flail of ages, long bow +1(hardly ever used)
Minsc - elven court bow +3, sword of chaos
Jaheira - Sling +3, scimitar
Anomen - sling, mace +1
Yoshimo - darts, katana +1)
Nalia - short bow, Ilbratha (short sword +1)

Note - we haven't been shopping for weapons at all, because of needing to get the money together for Gaelan.

As has been said before, Doraln is the party 'tank', and the rest are missile and spell backup. In most of our fights so far, it's worked pretty well.
Nalia / Imoen
Due to history, Imoen would be a natural return to the party, and, as both are dual-class thief/mage, Nalia is the natural one to be dropped.

I'm really curious how your meeting at the graveyard went. ;)

BTW, you got several missile weapons, do you use plain arrows\bullets or buy magical ones (expensive) ? With plain ones, it's often not possible to hurt an enemy...

Quite a lot to post here, and if I wrote it all down, I'd be here a week.

After resting for 8 hours, we explored the Coronet. Lehtinan's 'exclusive'areas were offered, and we got access. Slavery is totally unacceptable to a paladin, so it ends. Now.
In the cells area the guards set on us. Not the best move. Hendak asked us for the key, so its off to find his jailor. Once the jaior (and pets) were dead, we freed Hendak. We then headed back to the main room, killing the guards on the way. When Hendak got back there, we helped him kill Lehtinan.
It seems there are more slaves, so off to find the passageway to their lair. On the way, we collected Quallo's quest (the sword) - which took all of 5 minutes to work out and complete.
BTW, does the minotaur in the myconid lair actually mean anything?
Now into the slavers base. Basically, we freed the slaves, and killed everyone else. Back to the Coronet, for rest and recovery, before going to the graveyard.
We have now met Bodhi. I agree with Jaheira and Minsc. No deal, in other words. I do not trust her in any way. Allegedly, we have made an enemy. We will see. On our way out, 2 quests came our way. First, there was Tirdir, who had been buried alive. After our chat with the gravedigger, we need to visit the Bridge area. Second was the ghost, Wellyn. We also need to 'speak to' a certain thief in the Coronet. First, I think, will be the bridge district.

No, the Minotaur doesn't mean anything - at least nothing I've ever found or heard of.

So you gave that nice new little sword too Minsc? (The one person who the blade has probably been put in the game for) And don't you just love the way being a Paladin forces you to make certain decisions just in one way? :) I'm a little supprized that you didn't do the slavers quest sooner, since it was one of the first areas you've entered. But it's the first time around for you so I'll forgive you ;)

The jailor had a very nice short bow. Good weapon for Nalia ;)

Well, after way too many months in Singapore, I'm back home.
I'm actually surprised that it's been 7 months since I posted here. (This also means it's been 7 months since I played BG 2)
I am never working abroad again.
Thankfully, I had a cleaner while I was away, or else I think I'd need to shovel the dust out.
I'll post again, in a couple of days, when I pick up the game again. (although, to be honest, I may need to restart, unless all these old postings act to jog my memory)
In the meantime, I'm knackered, and jetlagged.
Will post again soon

Well, time to take up the game where I left off.
My last save game had left us in the CC, for resting, so I decided to go and get Wellyn's bear back for him first. From there, I went to see Gaelan. Deal done, at 15,000 gp. From the cutscene, Irenicus is free, and has Imoen. The sooner we go to see Aran Linvail, and get after them, the better.
When we got to the docks area, we got attacked by 3 vampires. I get the feeling this is going to happen a lot, now that we have sided with the Shadow thieves. Nalia and Minsc both got level drained, and Anomen doesn't have any Restoration spells memorised.
When we eventually found Aran, he sent us to the docks, to see Mook.
Hi Mook, hello Lassal, goodbye Mook. Lassal eventually escaped us by taking gaseous form.
Back to Aran, who is now sending us to the Bridge district to pose as recruits (we already have a quest there, looking for a man in a red cloak).
On the way there, we got waylaid (again!). We really could do with a rest, to recover some spells (restoration and NPP). After resting in the CC, Nalia had to go to the graveyard, to the funeral. Isaea was threatening, but nothing that we can't handle. We also met Kamir, the paladin who has lost his son. I don't see anything we can do (apart from a Raise dead, and that isn't given as an option!). On our arrival in the bridge district, we met Aegisfield - ANOTHER quest - this for a murderer.

If I can, we are not talking to anyone else - we have a load of quests to do.

In the 5 flagons, we met (and eventually killed) the traitors and their contact. Back to Aran, who is sending us to hunt down Bodhi and the rest of the vampires.
Notes
I'm thankful that Doraln is immune to level drain, as is Minsc (thanks to the amulet from Aran). Without that devastating ability, vampires don't really pack much punch. However, I will be trying to keep Doraln right at the front, so that all attackers target him. (with a current AC of -9 or -10, even a vampire will find it difficult to hit him)

^Err, you really COULD help troubled paladin Kamir, and you don't need to look further, but you don't want spoilers, and I respect that. You don't have to complete every possible minor quest in the game at your very first run. :p

It is good you find a way to take care of vampires, as you will face lots from now on, but you already know this.

Yep, vampire THAC0s are not great, they will hardly touch your PC. Though there may be 'special' cases. :D

Have fun!

Hey man, how did you manage to respond to your own thread? I always get a message saying that I need to edit my previous post and can't respond to a thread where I was the last poster.

No you don't, not since we've changed this a few months ago. You can reply to your own last post after 24 hours have passed. It'll say as much if you try to do it.

Anyway, this is totally off topic, so please either PM me with any other board-related questions, or post them in the SS forum. Thanks.